News Release

Monday, December 16, 2002

Bar Fight Results In Shooting Death

Los Angeles: On Monday, December 16, 2002, at 12:00 a.m., West Valley Area officers were on patrol in the area of Winnetka Ave and Sherman Way when they heard gunshots. They drove to the east end of a mini-mall parking lot in the 20900 block of Sherman Way, where they observed a male lying on the ground. They approached the victim and noted that he had sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest. The officers began providing first aid to the victim and called for an ambulance. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The victim was identified as a 21-year old, from Canoga Park. His identity is not being released pending the notification to his next of kin.

The investigation has revealed that the victim, the suspect, Teodoro Bustos Bernal, and another male Hispanic, were in the bar when they had an argument with two brothers, Roberto and Martin Sanchez. The group left the bar and went to the parking lot, where the argument escalated to a physical altercation. Bernal pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at Roberto Sanchez, one of which struck Sanchez in the arm. Another round struck the victim in the chest. It is believed that this round was intended for Sanchez, not the victim. The Sanchez brothers fled the scene and eventually made their way to a local hospital where Roberto Sanchez was treated for a through and through gunshot wound to the arm. He was treated and released.

The suspects has been identified as Teodoro Bustos Bernal, who is described as a male Hispanic, black hair and brown eyes, 5’3, 140, 45-yearsof age.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department, West Valley Homicide Unit, at 818-756-8546.

On weekends and off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.